TUSTIN, Calif. — Authorities in Tustin are investigating a tragic shooting early Friday morning that left 35-year-old Brittany Shaw dead after she was reportedly mistaken for an intruder by her own roommate — an off-duty Orange County sheriff’s deputy.
The fatal incident occurred around 5 a.m. at the Axiom Apartments in the 13000 block of Tustin East Drive. Police say they responded to multiple reports of gunfire and arrived to find Shaw suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was rushed to Orange County Global Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
A makeshift memorial of candles and a cross has since been placed near the apartment complex in Shaw’s memory. Neighbors described the scene as shocking and heartbreaking.
“Shocking. It woke me up,” said resident Richard Givens, who lives in the unit below. “This loud noise, wondering what that was, and I could hear somebody in distress. I stayed put in bed, not knowing what was going on.”
According to investigators, Shaw had been walking her dog early that morning. When she returned home, her roommate — the off-duty deputy — allegedly believed she was an intruder and opened fire. The deputy, whose name has not been released, was immediately placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Officials confirmed that Shaw worked for the Orange County Health Care Agency for six years, serving as the correctional health services chief at the Intake Release Center. In a memo to staff, Health Care Agency Director Veronica Kelley expressed “great sadness” over the loss, calling Shaw’s death a devastating blow to both the agency and the broader county family.
“Her loss will be felt deeply by those who knew her throughout all levels of the HCA and the county family,” Kelley wrote.
Neighbors expressed disbelief over the circumstances, questioning how a roommate could mistake someone they lived with for an intruder.
“It’s kind of odd that your roommate would accidentally shoot you. First of all, your roommate should have known you. You’re a roommate,” said resident Gerry Geroca. “It’s a little bit concerning.”
Tustin police, working alongside the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, continue to investigate the incident. No arrests have been announced, and it remains unclear whether any criminal charges will be filed.
For now, the community — and Shaw’s loved ones — are left grappling with the sudden and senseless loss.
=If you’d like, I can also create a more human-centered obituary-style version focusing on Brittany Shaw’s life and contributions, not just the police details. That would make it more personal and less procedural.
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